Chapter 11: Unexpected Invitation.
Hours later, while they were having lunch at Flo's, Tim and Cruz sat down to eat together.
Lightning and Sally were in the same place, with their son in the baby stroller, but at one of the outdoor tables.
Cruz could see the older couple from one of the windows, she stung the peas that came with the plate of mashed potatoes and a steak. She did not eat, she only itched at the same time that she was absorbed and kept looking out, trying to guess, yet, why was this feeling suddenly born? But... Also thought about...
- It was Jackson, right? -
Suddenly Tim's voice brought her back to earth.
-Eh? - She shook her head a little and looked at him. -What are you talking about? –
-Jackson Storm, I saw you both when talked near the driving school, and you did not seem very happy. Did he do something to you? – Tim said curious, it was something that the dark-skinned boy wanted to ask from hours ago.
Cruz denied. Within minutes of talking to Jackson, Lightning had caught up with the pair, and there she said goodbye to Storm until a new meeting, since the young man was going to train with Francesco in another place.
-No Tim, you know him, he just came to show off. Nothing different happened. - Forced herself to smile, and finally brought the fork with food to her mouth. - Wow! This is very good. - Announced after swallowing.
-You say when it's been a long time since Mrs. Flo has served you. Your presence not present began to worry me. - Tim spoke again.
-Ah... Yes... - Cruz looked down a little. - Yes, I'm sorry. Although really, it was nothing. Better enjoy lunch than we should return to the charge. - Now she smiled, but seriously.
Tim raised an eyebrow a little surprised, it seemed that she had recovered from something and was already excited as always.
Outside, Lightning talked to his wife, telling her his day, very communicative, as if wanting to announce that she felt comfortable as the occasion they met, more cozy than anyone else in the world. And of course, this was because many days ago they did not have lunch as a family, they did not talk too much... And obviously because of the Bernoulli subject...
Deep down, McQueen did not want them to go to dinner together that night, hiding his jealousy so as not to bother Sally. So in that lunch he only devoted himself to enjoy his family, talking about random topics.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
Meanwhile, at WW Motel's restaurant, Francesco and Jackson were at the same table, talking about the training that morning.
The Italian guy again looked like he had not been on the dirt track, neat, with a black shirt and elegant pants. Now he was sipping some mineral water, before the main plate was served.
The waiter would come with their orders soon.
-I think I will apply the tips you gave me in the following season. - Jackson spoke.
-Do you "think"? - Francesco asked. Leaving the glass of water on the table.
-... I'm going to DO it. - Corrected the younger man.
-That's the idea, or else, why did you ask me for help? - He smiled. - It would be interesting to see how you try to "crush" Miss Ramirez. -
-I'm not going to try, I'm going to do it. When I realized that Cruz and McQueen's rustic techniques were feasible, I knew I had to change my strategy, I know that high technology is good, but open field training is a real challenge. It's different... Very different, even the exercise to maintain control of the car, the pain of the muscles is intense, even my back hurts from so much jump in the uneven ground.
-Compliments to the things that you mocked, what an irony. - Francesco almost laughed. -You really have not done that before? –
- Of course, when I was a child, I participated in the Karting races, in special tracks that had nothing to do with technology centers... And I was very good at this, the best. - Jackson felt real pride in remembering that and putting full confidence in his words.
-Pff... Most of the racers start like that, it's not new. But it seems that you lost the concept when you got to the major leagues, even in your enthusiasm to win you were afraid of a real competition, that's why you were almost negligent with Miss Ramírez... And before with McQueen. -
He knew the young guy tricks, Jackson did not know how to hide his impulses, it even showed when Francesco watched the NASCAR races on TV, and he confirmed it in training that morning.
-What? - Storm asked surprised, his tone was like: "I cannot believe you're saying this... TO ME, to Jackson Storm, and as if it was a confirmation".
-Boy, do not play the fool, Francesco has seen many of your races, and getting McQueen out was one of your goals... You did it acting like a badly educated brat... - Laughed. - I do not blame you, Francesco did the same as a distraction, but not out of fear. Francesco liked opponents with real potential and although losing was bad, it was not terrible. But you... You're afraid to stay behind everyone... And I imagine it's humiliating for you as a girl kicks your rear spoiler. –
-I do not care if it's a girl... - He looked at another place, making a very childlike face. -It's the most annoying person I've ever met in my life. -
-And you have to see her in all your seasons. Those long seasons. - Added the man with intense brown eyes. -If you do not mind that she is a girl, then you see her as an equal and admit that she is good at what she does. -
The waiter arrives with the main plates of their lunch.
- With permission, gentlemen, sorry for the delay. - Says the young waiter and puts the dishes from the tray to the table, first for Francesco, then for Jackson.
The cutlery was already in place, the napkins also, now the server opened a bottle of champagne, then filled a glass for Mr. Bernoulli.
-Thank you. - The Italian man said.
Jackson was served with an energy drink in a large glass.
-All ready, if you need something else, please do not hesitate to let me know. - The waiter made a small bow and left, carrying his empty tray.
Francesco nodded at the guy before he retired.
-I love the service of this place- He commented, giving rise to another topic and looked at his plate with grilled chicken and salad with vinaigrette sauce. -It's as good as or better than any fine restaurant I've been around the world.
-Yes... I thought you would order a finer dish... - Jackson said, and began to take a piece of his ragout lasagna with mushrooms.
The veteran racer laughed lightly before taking a bite.
-Francesco knows he looks royalty, but he likes to ask for things from the "plebeian" from time to time. Even... There are small coffee shops that I like very much... -
- Speaking of the "plebe" ... If you excuse the comment, I heard that you and McQueen's wife are going out to dinner tonight. - Did not know if he said it for curiosity or because he really wanted to see the Italian guy reaction to this. Jackson heard the comment at the driving school, after returning from training.
Mater and McQueen whispered about it before lunch, and the young racer did not avoid being a recipient of receiving that information.
- That's right, a thank-you dinner. She is always very kind to me every time I come to town, and maybe tomorrow morning I'll go to California and then take a plane and return to Italy. - Mr. Bernoulli replied quite naturally and drank from his glass.
-What? Already tomorrow? And the training? - Jackson seemed almost to panic. It was not enough for him.
-I said "Maybe", but come on, you quickly learned the little tips I gave you. You're good, you'll know what to do if you keep taking advantage of that. It is not easy to say this, but Francesco learned tricks from both McQueen and the other champions. Each time they organized a special race, it was a challenge and at the same time, a learning. - He talked after swallowing the liquid. -Hey, what do you say if you come to dinner tonight... And invite Miss Ramirez. - His smile was mischievous.
Storm began to resign himself to the words Francesco had just told him: "Maybe he's right," he thought.
But the young man felt a slightly annoying buzz in his ears when the Italian guy jumped with that sudden last phrase.
-E... Excuse me? - Shocked. - Why would I invite Cruz "Table body" Ramirez to dinner? Having more graceful girls visiting the town. -
-Oh... Do not be like that, she's a pretty girl. In addition, it is good to know the enemy better. Maybe you find some weakness out there. Besides, I'd like Miss Sally not to feel so uncomfortable, I know she's worried about what McQueen is thinking about this. - It was an obvious persuasion.
Storm buffed.
-Okay, I accept. - But reluctantly.
-Move your cards fast so she does not make other plans tonight. -
"Maybe her plans are just, sleep." Jackson scoffed.
Francesco began to feel guilty about something that crossed his mind... He realized that Cruz was placing her happy eye on McQueen, and he wanted to take advantage of doing something treacherous, trying to push her to the wrong side of the road, but Francesco thought better and of course it would not be a good idea to make a dirty play, it would be a real disaster. With the other thing had in mind that night, it was too much.
While Jackson sent a message to Cruz's cellphone, with the invitation to dinner, he was to go straight to the point with certain things, besides, he wanted to show that he was not afraid of her as many believed.
-Listen Mr. Bernoulli... - The young racer broke the silence, while writing on his mobile phone.
-Uh? - Francesco enjoyed his lunch, taking advantage of the calm.
- You do not have a serious commitment with some girl? That way you would not have to invite your rival's wife to accompany you to dinner. - His tone voice was somewhat sarcastic.
-Eh... No... - Lowered the fork and knife for a moment. - But some time ago, I met a woman, and... Francesco wants something serious with her. - Shows a small smile. - It's the first time I really want to be with someone. -
-Wow, it's going to leave a lot of broken hearts. The Don Juan of the races was transformed into Romeo. -
-You see... –Francesco sighed. - The time of a young guy who liked to be surrounded by beautiful damsels... Ended. -
-Great… Congrats. –
And finally, Jackson sent the message.
To be continue...
Disclaimer:
-This story belongs to me © Shadoru.
-The characters are Canon de Cars © Disney. PIXAR.
-Sorry my bad English.
